Hundreds Enjoy Event at Stoughton To Mark 100th Anniversary Of The End Of The Great War 1914-18

Published on: 16 Sep, 2018
Updated on: 18 Sep, 2018

The free community event, Stoughton at the end of the Great War, held on the green at Cardwells Keep attracted around 500 visitors on Saturday (September 15).

Visitors could dress up in authentic First World War military uniforms.

Following on from a similar event there in 2014, there were historic displays of First World War militaria and home front memorabilia and photographs, period games and craft activities for children, a Punch and Judy show, music from the era played the Surrey Police Band, along with choirs from Stoughton Infant and Northmead Junior Schools, and more.

The day, that was in conjunction with Heritage Open Days, started with a parade along Stoughton Road to Cardwells Keep led by the Royal British Legion Old Basing Corps of Drums. Many followed the parade waving Union Jack flags.

The site was formerly Stoughton Barracks. At the time of the First World War, it was the depot of the Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey). Many local men who enlisted or who were called up during the 1914-18 war would have been at the barracks.

The finale of 2014 event saw an unforgettable parade from Cardwells Keep down Stoughton Road to Stoke Cemetery for a service of remembrance. This was to recall the start of the First World War when troops left the barracks to go off to war.

The parade enters Cardwells Keep.

The parade this time was to remember those who returned after the Armistice in 1918. The afternoon also featured a service of reflection to remember the fallen, led by local clergy.

Event organisers David Rose, Pauline Searle and Sheila Willis.

The event was organised by Guildford borough councillor Pauline Searle, former Stoughton police community support officer Sheila Willis, and local historian and writer David Rose.

They were assisted in the planning by a strong team of volunteers, and many more who helped out on the day setting up the site, erecting the marquees and getting everything ready for an extremely well-run operation (in true military style), plus packing it all away again at the end of the afternoon.

Local historians and those interested in military history put on displays, along with displays by the Surrey History Centre, Guildford Museum, Surrey Infantry Museum, Godalming Museum The Spike Heritage Centre, the Guildford Institute, and Worplesdon Garden Club.

Kevin Smith (right) displayed First World War military items.

There were stands by the local branch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, British Heart Foundation, Care and Consideration with a Smile – a charity to help people with a hidden disability, and sponsors the event Bluebird Care Home and James & Thomas Funeral Directors.

Refreshments were served by staff from Queen Elizabeth Care Home.

Stoughton’s Queen Elizabeth Park Care Home provided and served drinks and cakes, there was trench cake made to an original recipe from Emmanuel Church Café, Smote It barbecue and an ice-cream van.

Funding for the event came from Guildford Borough Council’s Aspire grants scheme and Surrey County Councillor Angela Goodwin’s members’ allocation.

The organisers thank everyone all who helped make it such a special day, and to everyone who came along.

There were two items of lost property: a grey pullover and two mugs full of sweets, the latter probably bought from the British Heart Foundation stall. To claim them call David Rose on 01483 838960, or email him at davidrosemedia@gmail.com

Below is a gallery of pictures from the event. Pictures by Dursun Onay, David Rose, Martin Giles and Shirley West.

These three girls showed off their homemade poppies at the event. (L to R: Julia Molina 6, Lucia Molina 3 and Charlotte 6)

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